8/12/2007

Heavy rains have disrupted transport and shut down roads in parts of Switzerland and Germany. Lakes and rivers had risen to critical levels following the torrential rain. German television showed pictures of swollen rivers, and flooded roads in Aarburg, near Basel, Switzerland. In parts of Germany, heavy rains flooded streets and basements.

Two people died in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia while clearing water from their basements. Water covered streets and camping grounds and invaded basements along Germany's border with Switzerland. Further north, heavy and constant rain caused the Rhine River to expand. Heavy rains have stalled Rhine River boat traffic. Europeans need to get used to extreme weather such as floodings and drought, said a climate expert. "Climate change is finally here. We find ourselves in the middle of it and the consequences are inevitable."